Vikings 17–24 Chargers: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 1, 2011

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?

P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 63.5% completion, +6.4% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +7.53 total passing EPA. D. McNabb (Minnesota Vikings), 36.8% completion, -16.6% CPOE, -0.43 EPA per dropback, -8.26 total passing EPA.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?

P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.53 total EPA on Passing plays. across 52 snaps. Their top snap (-4.66 EPA): (2:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 69-J.Allen at MIN 17. 69-J.Allen to MIN 31 for 14 yards (85-A.Gates)..

Quick answer

Winner: Los Angeles Chargers
Final score: Los Angeles Chargers 24–17 Minnesota Vikings
Halftime: Minnesota Vikings 17–7 Los Angeles Chargers at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Philip Rivers
Top passer: Philip Rivers
Biggest EPA play: 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date: 2011-09-11

Game summary

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–17 on 2011-09-11, overcoming Minnesota Vikings's 17–7 halftime lead. Philip Rivers posted a game-high +7.53 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Minnesota Vikings	7	10	0	0	0	17
Los Angeles Chargers	7	0	7	10	0	24

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

MINMinnesota Vikings

LAC 35

+3LAC 15

+3MIN 22

MIN 19

LACLos Angeles Chargers

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

12 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 15:00TD
Pressley Harvin
Points+6
Yard line
LAC 35
Score
6-0
10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 14:45XP
RLR. Longwell
Points+1
Yard line
LAC 2
Score
7-0
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q1 11:42TD
MTM. Tolbert
Points+6
Yard line
MIN 1
Score
7-6
(11:42) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 35-M.Tolbert for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q1 11:38XP
MSM. Scifres
Points+1
Yard line
MIN 2
Score
7-7
5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 12:59FG
RLR. Longwell
Points+3
Yard line
LAC 15
Score
10-7
(12:59) 8-R.Longwell 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 9:50TD
MJM. Jenkins
Points+6
Yard line
LAC 3
Score
16-7
(9:50) (Shotgun) 5-D.McNabb pass short middle to 84-M.Jenkins for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 9:44XP
RLR. Longwell
Points+1
Yard line
LAC 2
Score
17-7
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q3 10:48TD
MTM. Tolbert
Points+6
Yard line
MIN 7
Score
17-13
(10:48) 35-M.Tolbert up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q3 10:43XP
MSM. Scifres
Points+1
Yard line
MIN 2
Score
17-14
5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q4 10:09FG
MSM. Scifres
Points+3
Yard line
MIN 22
Score
17-17
(10:09) 5-M.Scifres 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q4 5:10TD
MTM. Tolbert
Points+6
Yard line
MIN 19
Score
17-23
(5:10) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 35-M.Tolbert for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q4 5:01XP
MSM. Scifres
Points+1
Yard line
MIN 2
Score
17-24
5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Philip Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +7.53 total EPA · 52 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
2M. Tolbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.42 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
3M. Jenkins · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.19 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.40 EPA/play
4M. Floyd · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.47 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
5A. Peterson · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +1.83 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
6V. Jackson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.54 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
7B. Walters · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.29 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
8R. McMichael · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +0.63 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Philip Rivers — LAC · Passing

Philip Rivers posted the highest total EPA (+7.53) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Los Angeles Chargers. Across 52 counted snaps, they averaged +0.14 EPA per play.

Philip Rivers's top snap (-4.66 EPA): (2:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 69-J.Allen at MIN 17. 69-J.Allen to MIN 31 for 14 yards (85-A.Gates).

Biggest single play (+6.99 EPA): N. Kaeding — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Philip Rivers led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 52 dropbacks · 63.5% completion · +6.4% CPOE · +0.14 EPA/play · +7.53 total EPA
D. McNabb (Minnesota Vikings) · 19 dropbacks · 36.8% completion · -16.6% CPOE · -0.43 EPA/play · -8.26 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Minnesota Vikings	Los Angeles Chargers
Offensive EPA/play	+0.007	+0.058
Offensive success rate	41.0%	51.6%
Pass EPA/play	-0.435	+0.145
Rush EPA/play	+0.062	-0.170
Defensive EPA/play	-0.058	-0.007
Defensive success rate	48.4%	59.0%

Drive & efficiency notes

Los Angeles Chargers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.06 vs +0.01), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Minnesota Vikings: +0.01 EPA/play (53rd percentile vs. 2011 team-game averages)
Los Angeles Chargers: +0.06 EPA/play (68th percentile vs. 2011 team-game averages)

Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, +5.50 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, +0.41 total EPA, 3 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Minnesota Vikings — Pressley Harvin (Q1 15:00)
Los Angeles Chargers — M. Tolbert (Philip Rivers pass) (Q1 11:42)
Minnesota Vikings — M. Jenkins (D. McNabb pass) (Q2 9:50)
Los Angeles Chargers — M. Tolbert (Q3 10:48)
Los Angeles Chargers — M. Tolbert (Philip Rivers pass) (Q4 5:10)

Field goals

Minnesota Vikings — R. Longwell (Q2 12:59)
Los Angeles Chargers — M. Scifres (Q4 10:09)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LAC 35 (Q1 15:00) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q1 14:45) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q1 11:42) — (11:42) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 35-M.Tolbert for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q1 11:38) — 5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle..

The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LAC 15 (Q2 12:59) — (12:59) 8-R.Longwell 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LAC 3 (Q2 9:50) — (9:50) (Shotgun) 5-D.McNabb pass short middle to 84-M.Jenkins for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 9:44) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe..

The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 7 (Q3 10:48) — (10:48) 35-M.Tolbert up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 10:43) — 5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle..

The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the MIN 22 (Q4 10:09) — (10:09) 5-M.Scifres 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 19 (Q4 5:10) — (5:10) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 35-M.Tolbert for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q4 5:01) — 5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Minnesota Vikings (Q1 15:00) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +25.3% · EPA +6.99]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 2:43) — (2:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 69-J.Allen at MIN 17. 69-J.Allen to MIN 31 for 14 yards (85-A.Gates). [WPA -20.5% · EPA -4.66]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 5:10) — (5:10) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 35-M.Tolbert for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.0% · EPA +2.94]
Minnesota Vikings (Q1 13:08) — (13:08) 5-D.McNabb pass short left intended for 12-P.Harvin INTERCEPTED by 95-S.Phillips at MIN 6. 95-S.Phillips to MIN 6 for no gain (5-D.McNabb). [WPA -12.9% · EPA -5.24]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 12:15) — (12:15) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 80-M.Floyd to MIN 19 for 16 yards (39-H.Abdullah). [WPA +10.3% · EPA +1.67]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Minnesota Vikings (Q1 15:00) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +25.3% · EPA +6.99]
Minnesota Vikings (Q1 13:08) — (13:08) 5-D.McNabb pass short left intended for 12-P.Harvin INTERCEPTED by 95-S.Phillips at MIN 6. 95-S.Phillips to MIN 6 for no gain (5-D.McNabb). [WPA -12.9% · EPA -5.24]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 2:43) — (2:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 69-J.Allen at MIN 17. 69-J.Allen to MIN 31 for 14 yards (85-A.Gates). [WPA -20.5% · EPA -4.66]
Minnesota Vikings (Q2 10:39) — (10:39) 28-A.Peterson up the middle to LAC 3 for 46 yards (31-B.Sanders). [WPA +8.7% · EPA +4.01]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 15:00 · LAC 35 · Score 6-0
10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 14:45 · LAC 2 · Score 7-0
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.
Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 11:42 · MIN 1 · Score 7-6
(11:42) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 35-M.Tolbert for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 11:38 · MIN 2 · Score 7-7
5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.
Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 12:59 · LAC 15 · Score 10-7
(12:59) 8-R.Longwell 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.
Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 9:50 · LAC 3 · Score 16-7
(9:50) (Shotgun) 5-D.McNabb pass short middle to 84-M.Jenkins for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 9:44 · LAC 2 · Score 17-7
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.
Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 10:48 · MIN 7 · Score 17-13
(10:48) 35-M.Tolbert up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 10:43 · MIN 2 · Score 17-14
5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.
Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 10:09 · MIN 22 · Score 17-17
(10:09) 5-M.Scifres 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.
Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 5:10 · MIN 19 · Score 17-23
(5:10) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 35-M.Tolbert for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 5:01 · MIN 2 · Score 17-24
5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

Los Angeles Chargers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Philip Rivers (LAC) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers on 2011-09-11?

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-17 in Week 1, 2011.

What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 7, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 10, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 0, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 0, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Final: Minnesota Vikings 17, Los Angeles Chargers 24.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — P. Harvin (Q1 15:00) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Tolbert (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 11:42) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — M. Jenkins (D. McNabb pass) (Q2 9:50) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Tolbert (Q3 10:48) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Tolbert (P. Rivers pass) (Q4 5:10) Minnesota Vikings field goal — R. Longwell (Q2 12:59, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Scifres (Q4 10:09, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 63.5% completion, +6.4% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +7.53 total passing EPA. D. McNabb (Minnesota Vikings), 36.8% completion, -16.6% CPOE, -0.43 EPA per dropback, -8.26 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.53 total EPA on Passing plays. across 52 snaps. Their top snap (-4.66 EPA): (2:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 69-J.Allen at MIN 17. 69-J.Allen to MIN 31 for 14 yards (85-A.Gates)..

Was Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?

Yes — the margin was 7 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 24-17 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Minnesota Vikings

Now 0-1 L

Los Angeles Chargers

Now 1-0 W

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers: 2011 Week 1 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

Quick answer

Game summary